Thriving neighborhood vital for peaceful rise

China's neighborhood appeared to be generally stable last year, although some regional security problems continued posing a threat. The strategic containment policies by major powers such as the United States, and pressing issues like territorial disputes, separatism and terrorism, comprised most of the destabilizing factors for China.

Delivering an important speech at a conference on diplomatic work in Beijing in October, President Xi Jinping vowed to accord priority to neighborhood diplomacy as part of China's overall diplomacy. The conference, presided over by Li Keqiang, the Premier, stressed the significance of establishing a neighborhood community of shared destiny.

By proposing the "One Belt and One Road" initiatives, helping establish the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and setting up the Silk Road Fund, China honored its commitments to the economic betterment of its Asian neighbors.